If available I would like some advice on whether or not Qantas offer some degree of leniency with respect to changes in flight dates and costs when a sick relative is involved. The father of a friend lives in Ireland and the friend lives in Australia. The father has cancer of the mouth, throat and lungs and the prognosis is uncertain, so there could be a matter of months or years remaining. It would be great to be able to take some of the strain off them by having a degree of flexiblility in flights without too excessive a cost component.

I am not sure where to start with this as attempting to get through to Qantas by phone tends to be an excruciating experience (as it is with all large companies now thanks to the "genuine people personality" automated answering machines) or if there is even any hope at all.

Many fares have a waiver of some rules for a death of family member but not just for illness. Many fares to Europe allow changes for a fee otherwise or you may wish to consider a fare with a small/zero fee.

Moderator

Unfortunately I don't believe that QF do offer compassionate fares these days. I would however talk to the booking people and ask what may be available. I think you'll be surprised at what they will 'try' and do for you. If you are getting no where I'd at this poin, simply ask the question again of another booking agent.

Remember that most fares are changeable with limitations and costs, however the tickets these days are significantly cheaper enough (than a few years ago) that it's often worth allowing for the change cost when pricing up your tickets.

I've been known to keep an eye on the fares to CMB. And recently I noted quite reasonable exPER QF fares connecting to the QF code share on UL in SIN. Sale fare pretty generally in the AU$530 range one way. (I won't use QF SIN-PER because of the arrival time at night)
Today I received a 50% bonus SC offer for QF flights to CMB.…

I think South America is possibly the sweet spot for this offer internationally as ticket prices are still pretty high to get there. Qantas currently has a sale with return tickets from $1098 for Sydney to Santiago return although you are more likely to find tickets at 1200 - 1400. This compares with regular prices starting from around $1500.…

Luckily, very lucky in fact that I opted out of the booking at the payment section, and as such received an email from Qantas advising me…

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